Drew Miller, Tomas Tatar and Dan Cleary also scored and Pavel Datsyuk added two assists for the Red Wings, who avenged an overtime loss in Nashville on Tuesday by defeating the Predators for just the second time in nine meetings - including playoffs.

Pekka Rinne stopped 23 shots for Nashville, which was blanked for the second time in as many nights. The Predators dropped a 1-0 decision to Vancouver at home on Friday.

Miller gave Howard all the offensive support he needed 5:11 into the first period, grabbing the rebound of Kronwall's one-timer from the left point and sliding it around Rinne's right pad from the doorstep. Tatar and Kronwall added second-period goals and Cleary scored on a deflection during a power play in the third to seal the win.

Howard made 12 saves in each of the first two periods and nine in the third en route to his 12th career shutout and first this season.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Nashville D Hal Gill left the game early in the second period with a lower-body injury and did not return. ... Red Wings D Kyle Quincey was scratched with a sprained ankle, which he suffered in Thursday's loss to Columbus. ... The Predators have been involved in six shutouts over their last 10 games, going 3-3-0 in those contests.